The difference between USB 3.2 and USB 3.0 is primarily one of speed and naming convention. Understanding this difference is a bit of a workaround, as the USB Extension Organization (USB-IF) has made a number of changes to the nomenclature.
Here are the key points of difference:
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Base Speed and Evolution:
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USB 3.0: Originally released with a defined speed of 5 Gbps (gigabits per second), also known as SuperSpeed USB.
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USB 3.1: The USB 3.1 standard was later introduced, and it consists of two versions:
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USB 3.1 Gen 1: The speed is still 5 Gbps, which is actually the new name for USB 3.0.
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USB 3.1 Gen 2: The speed was increased to 10 Gbps and was called SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps.
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USB 3.2: Later, the USB-IF released the USB 3.2 standard and changed the naming convention again, bringing the previous USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 into the USB 3.2 category and adding a faster speed class:
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USB 3.2 Gen 1: 5 Gbps. This is the original USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1.
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USB 3.2 Gen 2: 10 Gbps. This is the original USB 3.1 Gen 2.
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USB 3.2 Gen 2x2: 20 Gbps. This is the highest speed added to USB 3.2 and utilizes the dual-channel transfer capability of the USB-C interface (two 10 Gbps channels).
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Naming Confusion and Current Status:
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Due to the ever-changing nomenclature, you now see “USB 3.2” which may refer to speeds of 5 Gbps, 10 Gbps, or 20 Gbps.
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The old designation of “USB 3.0” should technically now be called “USB 3.2 Gen 1”.
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So the core difference is that USB 3.2 is a collection of newer standards that incorporate USB 3.0 speeds (5 Gbps) and expand upwards to faster speeds (10 Gbps and 20 Gbps).
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Physical Interface (Connector Type).
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USB 3.0 / 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) and USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) can use either the legacy USB-A connector (usually blue) or the USB-C connector.
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USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps) must use the USB-C connector because it requires the extra pins of USB-C for dual-channel transfers.
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How do I tell the difference?
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Look at the speed labeling: The surest way to tell is to check the product specification. Manufacturers usually indicate a specific speed, such as “SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps”, “SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps”, or “SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps”. Sometimes it will also just say “USB 3.2 Gen 1”, “USB 3.2 Gen 2” or “USB 3.2 Gen 2x2”.
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Look at the interface color (not entirely reliable): For traditional USB-A interfaces, blue usually indicates USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps). However, the color is not mandatory and especially on USB-C interfaces it is not possible to distinguish by color. Some 10 Gbps USB-A interfaces may be blue-green or red, but they are not universal.
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Look for the logo next to the connector: Some devices have a “SS” (SuperSpeed), “SS 5”, “SS 10”, or “SS 20” logo next to the connector to indicate the speed.
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In a nutshell:
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USB 3.0 is USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps).
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USB 3.2 is a broader concept that encompasses three speed levels: 5 Gbps, 10 Gbps, and 20 Gbps.
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When you see “USB 3.2”, you need to look at the more detailed specifications (Gen 1, Gen 2, or Gen 2x2 or direct speed values) to know its exact speed.
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All USB 3.2 interfaces are backwards compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices, but speeds are limited to the level of slower devices. To reach the maximum speed, the port, cable, and connected device must all support the appropriate standard.
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